Gebhard Woods State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Gebhard Woods State Park is a scenic outdoor recreation area located in Morris, Illinois.
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Summary
It covers an area of 30 acres and offers visitors a variety of activities to enjoy, including hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. There are plenty of good reasons to visit this state park, such as its beautiful woodland trails, lush vegetation, and the opportunity to observe bird and wildlife.
One of the most popular points of interest at Gebhard Woods State Park is the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, which runs through the park. This paved trail is perfect for hiking or biking and offers stunning views of the canal and surrounding countryside. Another popular attraction is the park's campground, which offers spacious campsites, showers, and a playground for children.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Gebhard Woods was once a popular spot for logging and sawmill operations. Today, visitors can still see the remains of the old sawmill at the park. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of native plant and animal species, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, and gray squirrels.
The best time of year to visit Gebhard Woods State Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is cooler and the trees are changing colors. However, visitors can also enjoy the park's amenities during the summer months, where they can take advantage of the park's picnic areas and fishing opportunities. Overall, Gebhard Woods State Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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